A consortium involving Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has acquired a 38 per cent stake in Liverpool from the club’s majority owners, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), according to The Athletic.
The investment was initially reported as being around one-third of the Premier League club, but the latest figure puts the stake closer to 40 per cent.
The consortium, known as 1892 Holdings after Liverpool’s founding year, is led by British-Indian businessman Amit Bhatia. It also includes Bezos and Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin.
Despite the sale, FSG will remain in operational control of Liverpool for now. However, 1892 Holdings has an option to acquire a controlling stake in the club within the next 12 months. The option does not represent a formal commitment to complete a further purchase.
Bhatia is set to become Liverpool’s vice-chairman and join the club’s expanded board, subject to regulatory approval.
The transaction values Liverpool at between £5 billion and £6 billion, making the investment one of the most significant deals involving an English football club.
For now, FSG remains the club’s majority owner, while the new investment gives 1892 Holdings a significant minority position and a potential route to future control of Liverpool.
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